Imatra is a small cozy town by the Lake Saimaa, the greatest lake in Finland. The town center is located only 6 km from the Russian border, right next to the famous Imatra rapids. The historical art nouveau castle hotel Valtionhotelli is the landmark of the town. The hotel was voted the most beautiful building in Finland in 2014. It is surrounded by Crown Park – nature reserve dating back to 1842. All restaurants and shops are located within 5 minutes walk!

Lake Saimaa offers a wide range of activities throughout the year. You can go ice fishing, skiing, skating, swimming, rowing, canoeing, parasailing, wake boarding…whatever you like! Cruises to Saimaa are organized from Imatra and Lappeenranta harbors.

Day 1

Afternoon arrival in Helsinki International Airport

Train to Imatra from HIA

Guide meets the guests at the Imatra railway station

Transport to hotel Valtionhotelli

Guided walking tour: hotel Valtionhotelli and Imatra historical Crown Park 2 h

Lunch & free time

Sauna & swimming

Dinner at restaurant OR in a private home (at request)

Day 2

10-12 Sightseeing tour of Imatra 2 h

13   Lunch

Train to Helsinki

Transfers, accommodation, meals and guide are included.

On this tour we visit the famous Imatra Castle hotel built in 1903. This unique art-nouveau hotel was voted the most beautiful building of Finland in 2014. We drive to the checkpoint of Imatra on the Russian border and then along the beautiful river Vuoksi to Alvar Aalto Church of Three Crosses. We’ll pop into the church if possible. WWII history comes alive at the legendary Immola airfield that witnessed Adolf Hitler’s visit in 1942. We’ll see  the idyllic old Niskalampi residential and the Ukonlinna resort that has become the leading center of sport tourism in South Karelia. Lake Saimaa with its spas and ports will become familiar to us, too.

Imatra has a surprising number of interesting architectural objects. Different styles are well represented including art nouveau, functionalism and modernism. Wooden houses are also a key part of Imatra. During this tour you can choose a visit to several interesting buildings: Castle Hotel, Aalto Church of Three Crosses, Industrial Workers’ Housing Museum, Orthodox Church, Neitsytniemi mansion, House of Culture Virta or Karelian Outdoor Museum of 1800s. The tour may include coffee/tea at the Castle Hotel, Border Museum, House of Culture or Karelian Outdoor Museum.